First job search... am I too late? SOLVED

Powerpuppies

I'm a 21 year old guy who will graduate in May with a degree in Math and Computer Science with a minor in Spanish. 3.7 GPA, 1 year experience working as a computer science TA, going on 6 months in a second-level support position for a software product. I currently work at IBM, but I don't have a job lined up for next fall. I had thought that waiting until Spring to apply and interview would be fine. A few conversations with friends of mine have started to leave me worried that I've shot myself in the foot, albeit in a minor sort of way.

Is it absolutely SOP to start applying for your first after-college job by September? Do I need to fill out all my applications tomorrow to maximize what chances I have left?

Or are my friends overreacting? Can I finish out finals and do the online applications in mid-December without worrying too much?

I don't post in these forums often, so I'm erring on the side of not saying enough rather than BLEH WALLTEXT CRITS for 9999. If any more info would be helpful plz let me know.

Sentry

Have you done any internships? If not, see if you can do one next semester.

Internships do a number of things... not the least of which is give you access to a potential employer before you ever need the job, and allows you to network with potential employers in your field. Seriously, internships are almost a must for any college student.

admanb

I'm in a similar boat as you and none of my friends have even started thinking about applying for jobs.

I guess if your post-college situation will otherwise be "live in a box on the street," or if your job market is really shitty (which, for a math and CS, shouldn't be the case) then you may want to be extra cautious, but I think you'll be fine.

Powerpuppies

The IBM position could reasonably be termed an internship in that it took place during my college career and I wasn't expected to produce at a new hire level... it was full time over the summer and is part time now that school is going on. I think I'm probably a reasonably strong candidate on paper, and I think I have the experience I need. I'm just panicked by tales of "I think Company X has filled most of their positions by now" and "I thought Company Y sent out their offers already?"

admanb

To put it bluntly... companies X and Y aren't the only fish in the sea. The large companies are the ones that have strict application and hiring schedules, so they're the ones you're going to be hearing about. If that's the kind of company you're looking for, you may want to start looking stuff up. Otherwise, what you should be looking at is any contacts you may have available through faculty or graduated upperclassmen.

Unknown

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Powerpuppies

How can I found out about the hiring schedule of a given company?

oldsak

It really depends on the employer you're looking to get hired by, and if you want to have a job lined up to start as soon as you graduate. Some employers look now in anticipation of a new class graduating in May, some don't.

If you know for certain a place you'd like to work has a limited application window then by all means apply, but I wouldn't start stressing about the job search now. Focus on your finals and start looking afterwards. I doubt the 2 weeks will kill your career hopes.

Hlubocky

I started looking for my job around March... one interview fell through, and I found the job I have been at now for 3.5 years in May/June as I was graduating. We are not a large company and are always hiring talented people, so I don't think you should write yourself off yet. Also, if you went to a good school and want to be in Chicago, you could send me your resume.

CyberJackal

It certainly helps to start getting your stuff together as early as possible, but I wouldn't panic yet. Companies don't have a "yearly draft" and then close their doors til next year...

Some things you're going to want to do:
- Think about what you want to do with your career and find out what companies you want to pursue.
- If you haven't already, visit your school's career center. If they're anything like mine, they will be the hub from which you will be able to get in contact with the companies who are interested in hiring graduates from your school. They will also be able to help you put together a good resume and practice interviewing.
- If you haven't already, make a resume and then pass it around to people you know and trust to critique it. Get that thing in the best shape you can get it in.
- If you like working at IBM, you should definitely speak with your manager there about seeing if there could be a full-time position with them in your future. Even if you don't want to be in that particular office or location, you should speak to your manager or HR.

Like I said before though, don't panic. You sound like you have some good credentials, so I'm sure you'll do fine.

Powerpuppies

Thanks for the reality check, guys.

Ganluan

I actually started interviewing after I graduated, and got a job right away. It depends on the market in your area, but I'm sure you'll be fine :P

acidlacedpenguin

Maybe you can negotiate continued employment at IBM? If you could get that hooked up then you could have a just-in-case fallback position.

It never hurts to play it safe!

Smurph

Try talking to your adviser or someone in your CS department. They usually have connections at companies that tend to him the types of students they mentor and can push you in the right direction. Also, the big defense contractors are usually hiring CS grads like mad, as long as you can relocate.

<3

Universities usually have a career fair in the fall and another one in the spring. If there is one in the spring, you should definitely go to it.